Abstract: A method for reducing the content of phytate and/or salts thereof, formed by phytic acid, in cereal grains, whereby the cereal grains are subjected to a combined wet steeping and dry steeping in at least two successive cycles in that the cereal grains are mixed with water or a water mixture to a water content in the cereal grains of 25-60%, the pH value is adjusted to pH 4-7, the mixture is heated to 35-60.degree. C. and is subjected to wet steeping for a period of 0.5-10 hours, eventual excess of water or water solution is drained, and the cereal grains are dry steeped for a period of 0.5-20 hours at a temperature of 35-60.degree. C., whereupon the cereal is finally dried. The cereal can be taken out of the process as whole grains, as flakes, as cut grains or as flour.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the quality of the seeds of a plant by treating the plant, such as a cereal to be used in malting, with a lactic acid bacterial preparation. The treatment is performed in the field or under field conditions when the seeds develop by spraying the plant with the preparation. The invention also related to the use of the lactic acid bacterial preparation for spraying a plant in the field or under field conditions when its seeds develop. Furthermore, the invention relates to a plant product, such as a barley or rye product, which has been treated with the aforementioned method.